Because technical expertise is necessary for the safe disposition of explosive incidents, all public safety personnel in Oregon should be aware of the resources that are available through the Oregon Department of State Police.

The Oregon State Police Explosives Unit consists of highly trained and experienced Hazardous Device Technicians. The Explosives Unit is accredited through the FBI National Bomb Squad Commanders’ Advisory Board. Additionally, all technicians are certified through the same advisory board.

The Hazardous Device Technicians are stationed regionally in Salem, Medford, and Hermiston. These technicians are issued state of the art equipment, i.e. hazardous duty robots, total containment vessels, radiograph equipment, advanced disablement tools, and bomb suits to respond to almost any explosives related incident which may be encountered by public safety personnel.

The Hazardous Device Technicians are qualified to conduct render safe operations of improvised explosive devices (bombs), booby traps, and military ordnance, as well as destruction of unwanted or deteriorated explosives, blasting caps, explosive chemicals, fireworks, and any other explosive items such as railroad torpedoes and specialty items. The technicians are also trained in post-blast investigation and weapons of mass destruction response. They are available to testify as expert witnesses on explosive related criminal prosecutions.

Upon request, the Explosives Unit will conduct training in Basic Explosives Recognition, Bomb Threat Planning and Response, Booby Trap Survival, and any other explosives related subjects. The bomb squad also maintains a liaison with other explosives units in Oregon and neighboring states and with the U.S. Military and federal agencies having responsibility in the explosives field.

In the event that the Oregon State Police Explosives Unit may be of assistance to any department, agency, or private citizen, an appropriate response will be conducted upon request. That request may be directed to the nearest Oregon State Police Patrol Office, District or General Headquarters, or Regional Dispatch Center at 1(800) 452-7888 or (503) 375-3555.